Cyprus gears up for FIA Middle East Rally

NICOSIA, April 24 (Xinhua) -- The Cyprus Automobile Association (CAA) is busy preparing for the 2008 Cyprus Rally scheduled for the weekend of May 17-18.

The Cyprus Rally, Round 2 of the FIA Middle East Rally Championship (MERC), is expected to attract competitors from Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Greece, the UK, Lebanon and the host country Cyprus.

In a press release issued on Thursday, the CAA said that it would introduce new special stages to the route.

According to the organizer, all the stages are in great shape thanks to re-grading work and regular maintenance. The participants will drive through the beautiful countryside of the Troodos mountains.

Organised by the CAA and sponsored by the Cyprus Tourism Organisation, the The Cyprus Rally will hold a start ceremony again on the seafront promenade of coastal city Limassol on the night of May 16.

The participants will drive along a 453.23km route on the following day, including 104.65km of special stage action, and then a further 456.24km on May 18, with 123.39km of special stages.

Cyprus hosts two rounds of the FIA Middle East Rally Championship this year. The other one is Troodos Rally, or Round 6of the 2008 MERC, which will be held in November.